================================================================
MELBOURNE SOCIAL FORUM NEWS – October 2008
================================================================
In this issue :
- MSF AGM
- MSF 2009
- Want an item included in the newsletter?
- News, events and actions
================================================================
MSF 2009 : 17th – 19th April 2009
================================================================
Yes, you already know we’re planning an event, but what have we actually been doing when 2009 is still so far away?
The organisers have been busy applying for grant funding from several organisations. This meticulous task takes skill, time and foreword planning, which is a challenging ask for our voluntary time. If you know of any sources of funding that you think might assist us in delivering MSF 2009, please drop us a line. Alternatively, if you have some time and grant writing skills, we’d love to hear from you.
info@melbournesocialforum.org
Regarding the wider event conceptual planning stage. We invite you to submit your ideas for themes, activities and outcomes that you would like to see eventuate.
===============================================================
Notice of Melbourne Social Forum 2008 Annual General Meeting
Thursday 13th November 2008 at 7.00 pm
Venue: Social Justice Centre – The Blue Room,
124 Napier St, Fitzroy.
===============================================================
All are welcome to attend the Melbourne Social Forum’s first Annual
General Meeting.
To vote on any issues relating to the organisation you must be
a member, this can be done on the night of the meeting and is a one off fee of $10.
If you have any other items to discuss at the meeting, please send them to the organisers list as they must be on the agenda in order for them to be discussed. Many items on this agenda will be very brief.
Agenda
———–
1. Election of chair and minute taker
2. Attendances and Apologies
3. Proxies
4. Verifying quorum numbers and entitlements to vote
5. Report from the Public Officer
6. Report from the MSF Organisers Committee
7. Acceptance of the financial statements
a. income and expenditure
b. assets and liabilities (balance sheet)
8. Proposed budget for the next financial year
9. Setting of membership fees for next financial year
10. Election of MSF Officers
a. Co-Convenor 1
b. Co-Convenor 2
c. Secretary
d. Treasurer
11. Special business
For more details please contact the Melbourne Social Forum info@melbournesocialforum.org
================================================================
Want an item included in the next newsletter?
================================================================
Submit your events and news items to news@melbournesocialforum.org by 27th October to be included in the next newsletter.
================================================================
PBI fund raising coordinator vacancy
We have had to extend the closing date for applications for the fund raising position with Peace Brigades International.
Applications now close on Friday October 17.
***All e-mail correspondence should be addresses to pbiaustralia@peacebrigades.org.***
Peace Brigades International Australia
124 Napier St, Fitzroy Vic 3065
PO Box 2172, Fitzroy MDC Vic 3065
Tel/Fax: +61 (03) 9415 6642
www.peacebrigades.org
pbiaustralia@peacebrigades.org
================================================================
GLOBAL WARMING
An economic perspective
12 seminars with Dr Jim Crosthwaite
2 September to 18 November
Tuesdays 6.30 to 8.30 Trades Hall
MSCP evening series
www.mscp.org.au/es08.html
Climate change is happening at a very fast rate. Melting of ice sheets and retreat of glaciers suggests that irreversible thresholds are being rapidly approached. The problem must be addressed quickly and deeply. This can only happen if governments around the world show strong leadership, avoid capture by vested interests, and address the major equity issues that will arise. Economics like other disciplines can offer much in terms of understanding how the climate change problem arose, how it will affect
future growth and development, how it can be stabilised, how to choose between technical options for mitigation and adaptation, and how international collective action can be achieved. Controversy rages among economists on these issues, not least because mainstream neo-classical economics has a different world view to other economic schools such as ecological economics and political economy, as well as different theories and methods.
Global Warming: An Economic Perspective is a public seminar series that aims to be accessible to all who accept the proposition that there is no economy without a living environment, but who nonetheless feel disoriented by the welter of political proposals on offer within mainstream and non-mainstream debate. The series aims to (a)familiarise attendees from within and beyond the university with the economics discussed in major reports on climate change;(b)develop understanding of the way different schools within economics deal with climate change and (c) further informed debate about economic aspects of mitigation and adaptation proposals.
================================================================
Save Water and the Vegie Patch
7 -9 pm Wednesday 1st October.
Meet from 6.30pm
Brunswick Town Hall
A public forum on adapting water restrictions to enable the vegie patch to survive through summer.
We will discuss why we should grow our own food and how we can make sure that future water restrictions allow Victorian gardeners access to enough adequate water, while still keeping water use to a minimum.
Speakers include:
* Jane Edmanson, Gardening Australia, 3W . www.janesgarden.com.au
* Clive Blazey, Diggers Seeds www.diggers.com.au
* David Holmgren, Holmgren Design Services (Permaculture)
www.holmgren.com.au/
* Helen Tuton, Sustainable Gardening Australia. www.sgaonline.org.au
Gold Coin Donation
For more information about the Food Gardeners Alliance and the forum,
please go to www.fga.org.au or Jonathan Pipke Mob: 0412.665.216 jonathan@printmanagement.com.au
================================================================
How universal is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?: the future of human rights in the 21st Century
* To be delivered by Professor Hilary Charlesworth, Australian National University
When: Thursday 2 October, 7.30 pm (please be seated by 7.15 pm)
Where: Darebin Arts & Entertainment Centre, Cnr Bell St & St Georges Rd, Preston, Melbourne
RSVP (essential) to Centre for Dialogue, La Trobe University, Victoria, 3086
Email: dialogue@latrobe.edu.au
Tel: (03) 9479 1893
Further information:
2008 is the sixtieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Although many countries have agreed to uphold human rights, controversy remains over whether human rights are universal across different cultures and religions. Professor Charlesworth will consider some of these debates and assess the role of human rights in international law.
Hilary Charlesworth is one of Australia’s leading experts on human rights. She is the Director of the ‘Centre for International Governance & Justice’ and Professor of
International Law and Human Rights at the Australian National University. She has taught at international universities and was chair of the ACT Government’s inquiry into
an ACT Bill of Rights, which resulted in the adoption of the ACT Human Rights Act 2004. She has also worked closely with a variety of non-government organisations, such as
‘Women’s Legal Service’ in the ACT and the ‘Victorian Foundation for the Survivors of Torture’. In 2006 she was awarded the Goler T.Butcher Medal for her “outstanding contributions to the development of international human rights” by the American Society of International Law.
Organised by La Trobe University – Centre for Dialogue Co-Sponsored by the City of Darebin
================================================================
Crooked Rib & Aerosol Arabic
Exhibition:
Gallery 15 at 15W, Melbourne
Thu 2 – Thu 23 Oct
Mon – Fri 8am – 6pm
Entry: Free
City Street Mural:
Sparks Lane, off Flinders St, Melbourne
View work in progress:
Sat 18 & Sun 19 Oct
Fri 24 – Sun 26 Oct
Opening: Sun 26 Oct
Entry: Free
Background:
A powerful collaboration that challenges cultural misconceptions & celebrate identity. Crooked Rib has been collaborating artistically since late 2007. A partnership between the City of Melbourne’s Community Cultural Development Program & the Muslim Women’s Council Victoria gave rise to this project, now comprised of fourteen young Muslim women. Crooked Rib works with artist Amanda King to express what it means to be young, Muslim and living in Melbourne through this remarkable exhibition of their new works.
In this collaboration with UK-based artist Aerosol Arabic, Melbournians can experience the creation of a whole new vernacular in stencil art. During the festival, Crooked Rib & Aerosol Arabic create a mural that challenges ideas of difference and promotes notions of identity.
Melbourne International Arts Festival
www.melbournefestival.com.au
================================================================
Outer suburbs petrol price workshops
Outer suburbs petrol price workshops: what can we really do about high petrol prices?
Meeting: 5 October to start developing workshop material
Further information:
If you would like to get involved please contact Pablo
Email: pabs101@hotmail.com
================================================================
Moreland Bike Users Group
Maribyrnong Creek trail and ring road – Sunday 5th October
Explore the Maribyrnong River to Brimbank Park, then take the Western Ring Road path to Jacana or Gowrie Stations (on the Broadmeadows or Upfield lines) then return to the Zoo by train. Very keen riders could head home via the Merri Creek.
Distance: ~ 56km. For details check http://www.morelandbug.org/
================================================================
Bicycle Polo Tournament – Sunday 5th October
12pm Royal Exhibition Building Cnr Rathdown and Queensbury Sts.
Entry: Team of 3: $15. Individual $5.
email entries to melbourne.bicycle.polo.club@gmail.com
More information http://www.bikepolo.com.au
================================================================
Title: Transition to a Zero Carbon Future Discussion Group
Topic: The future of wind energy in Australia
Description: Monthly discussion group hosted by Beyond Zero Emissions focusing on energy solutions to climate change.
Event location: 2nd Floor, Kindness House, 288 Brunswick St, Fitzroy
Time: 6.30 – 8:30 pm, Monday 6th October 2008
Our guest speaker, A/Prof Hugh Outhred of the School of Electrical Engineering and Telecommunications at UNSW, has been involved in electricity restructuring, energy planning and renewable energy in Australia, since the 1970′s. He will speak about the possibilities for the extensive deployment of wind energy in Australia, as well as address issues such as wind variability and forecasting techniques, the potential difficulties in managing voltage and frequency disturbances and the cost and implications of network integration. Join us for an informed discussion on the future of wind energy in Australia.
================================================================
Whatever happened to the Spanish Sahara?
When: Tuesday 7 October 2008 at 7.30pm
Where: ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image), Federation Square, Melbourne
All welcome
An evening of films about Western Sahara (former Spanish Sahara) at ACMI presented by Melbourne Filmoteca: Latin American, Spanish & Portuguese Film Group and the Australia Western Sahara Association.
The films are to be introduced by Lyn Allison (formerly a Democrat Senator for Victoria). She visited the Saharawi refugee camps, has raised questions in parliament about their plight and is now president of the Australia Western Sahara Association.
Background:
From the late-1880s until the mid-1970s Spain laid claim to Western Sahara in North West Africa naming it Spanish Sahara (Sahara Español). Saharawi resistance to Spanish colonial rule was
strong. In May 1973 the Saharawi liberation movement the POLISARIO Front (Frente Popular para la Liberación de Saguia el-Hamra y Río de Oro) was formed and Spain moved towards holding a referendum of self-determination in keeping with United Nations practice for decolonization. Before this took place the two neighbouring African countries invaded and a war ensued. On 27 February 1976 the Saharawi Republi
was declared and POLISARIO formed a government-in-exile. It represents the Saharawi people in UN negotiations with Morocco (the occupying power) to resolve the sovereignty of Western Sahara.
The films show how the Saharawis are continuing to build their movement for self-determination partly through education. However, their tragic predicament is still a harsh daily reality.
Q & A and discussion afterwards with Lyn Allison and other AWSA members.This will be an opportunity to discuss the films and also the strong links between the Saharawis and the Spanish people that exist today.
Admission: 18+
Tickets: $13, $10 (concession) on sale at box office: 8663 2583
or online at www.acmi.net.au/ticketing
Melbourne Filmoteca: www.melbournefilmoteca.org
Australia Western Sahara Association: www.awsa.org.au
================================================================
Roads for Public Transport Summit
The Roads for Public Transport Summit is an initiative of the Victorian Road Based Public Transport Advisory Council to identify issues and actions that accommodate and promote the needs of road-based public transport. Ideas arising from the Summit will be considered and prioritised for action by the Advisory Council.
The theme of the Summit is ‘Building on Patronage Growth’. The Summit will allow participants to learn and discuss the current travel trends and issues facing road-based public transport services. It will provide participants opportunity for feedback and input into ways to continue improving road-based public transport. The Minister for Roads and Ports and the Minister for Public Transport will both address the Summit.
Dates: Thursday 9th October, 2008 8.30 am – 12.30 pm (followed by lunch).
Venue: RACV City Club, 501 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Cost: Free (but spaces limited)
RSVP: rbpt@roads.vic.gov.au
More Info: Roger Lau on (03) 9854 1904 or Larissa Radion on (03) 9854 2920.
================================================================
SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT
Thu 9 Oct
7.00 pm – 9.00 pm, FREE
We need to find new ways to travel if we want to stop irreversible climate change, and reduce the obesity and diabetes epidemic in Australia. Come and hear about Darebin’s Going Places Program, walking school buses, Go-Get car sharing facilities, electric bikes, hybrid cars, local bicycle user groups and how to get the most out of public transport.
Sustainable Homes Co-ordinator
Ph 8470 8373
sustainablehomes@darebin.vic.gov.au
www.sustainablehomes.vic.gov.au
Darebin Council Chambers, 350 High Street, Preston
All welcome
================================================================
One Just World – Free Forums on Poverty and Development
One Just World is a series of free after-work public forums, with outstanding speakers tackling some of the big issues in international development. One Just World is presented by AusAID, the International Women’s Development Agency and World Vision, in partnership with six Australian universities.
The dates, locations and topics are:
Tuesday 7 October – Brisbane City Hall : Millennium Development Goals – where are we up to?
Tuesday 21 October – Canberra Parliament House : New Partnerships for development
Wednesday 29 October – Melbourne BMW Edge : If water is life, what do we do when it runs out?
For more information head to www.onejustworld.com.au
================================================================
Climate change and the dialogue of cultures
* Lecture by Professor Joseph Camilleri
When: Wednesday 8 October, 6.30pm – 7.30pm
Where: Copland Theatre, Economics & Commerce Building, The University of Melbourne
Background:
Climate change has rightly come to occupy centre stage in national and international politics. Most attention is currently directed to what societies and the international community should do to reduce, if not reverse, the harmful effects of greenhouse gas emissions. In the ensuing debate diverse stakeholders have focused on the technical and economic solutions to the problem. Culture has been strangely absent in these discussions, yet is central to any viable solutions. The lecture addresses two questions: Is culture destined to be part of the problem or part of the solutions? How well prepared are we to bring the ‘dialogue of cultures’ to bear on the Great Debate?
About the speaker:
Prof Joseph Camilleri is Professor of International Relations & Director of the Centre for Dialogue at La Trobe University. He is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Social Sciences and chairs the Editorial Committee of the journal ‘Global change, peace and security’. He has lectured in many parts of the world on global governance, conflict analysis, arms control and disarmament, the role of culture and religion in international relations, the policies of the great powers, terrorism and the ‘war on terror’. He has given evidence to several government enquiries, convened numerous national and international conferences, and is the recipient of many awards.
Organised by the University of Melbourne, Faculty of Arts
================================================================
Australian Poetry Slam ’08
* poem, rap, story… waddya callit?
Who will be the next Australian poetry slam champion?
Speak, howl or sing your original poem & let the audience be the judge! Victorian heat winners will compete in the stat final on 13 November, then the top two Victorians will battle for the national title and prize in Sydney on 4 December
Victorian heats
*Northcote
Darebin Library Service – Northcote Branch
Workshop: Wed 8 Oct, 4-5.30pm
Heat: Thurs 9 Oct, 7-9pm (register at 6pm)
Inquiries: 1300 655 355
*Footscray
Maribyrnong Library Service – Footscray branch
Workshop: Wed 15 Oct, 4.30 – 6pm
Heat: Thurs 16 Oct, 7-9pm (register at 6.30pm)
Inquiries: 9688 0292
*Woodend
Goldfields Regional Library – Woodend branch
Workshop: Tues 21 Oct, 4-5.30pm
Heat: Wed 22 Oct, 7-8.30pm (register at 6.30pm)
Inquiries: 5427 2074
*Mornington
Mornington Peninsula Library – Mornington branch
Workshop: Tues 28 Oct, 6.30-7.30pm (register at 6pm)
Heat: Thurs 30 Oct, 7-9pm (register at 6.30pm)
Inquiries: 5950 1820
**Victorian State Final
State Library of Victoria, Swanston St, Melbourne
When: Thurs 13 Nov, 6.30pm
For further details go to:
www.slv.vic.gov.au/goto/poetryslam
================================================================
Building the climate movement online
What will it take to create a strongly networked, strategic & powerful Australian climate movement? How can online organising help build this movement?
Forums in Melbourne, Sydney & Brisbane co-convened by The Change Agency (tCA) & Friends of the Earth (FoE) to stimulate creative & constructive discussions about online organising. These forums aim to actively involve climate change activists.
* Melbourne forum:
When: Thursday 16 Oct, 6pm
Where: FoE, 312 (upstairs, Smith St, Collingwood)
Contact: damien.lawson@foe.org.au / 0419 253 342
More info: james@thechangeagency.org / 0431 150 928
Forum details: ‘What would effective online organising look like?’
Online tools offer climate change activists and groups important strategic opportunities to build the movement. Websites, egroups, blogs, Facebook, YouTube, Flickr and other applications are being used extensively by community organisers… But how well? How can online tools be harnessed most effectively to recruit, engage, energise, strategise and sustain grassroots climate change activism?
In June, tCA and FoE launched an action research project that has included an online questionnaire completed by 200 climate change community organisers, interviews and a desk study of effective online organising.
Come along to hear what we’ve learnt through this project so far.
Join us for a discussion to:
- develop and share a critical overview of communication tools and platforms
- share climate change organising lessons and insights
- learn to organise more effectively online
- hear about FoE’s climate campaign
- bridge the gaps between grassroots and NGO activists, between environmentalists and other citizens concerned about climate change, and between the rebels, reformers, citizens and change agents in this powerful and growing people’s movement.
Check out tCA”s ‘climate action research project’ for details about the project and to download a copy of this report from tCA website:
www.thechangeagency.org
This stage of tCA action research project is partnered with FoE Australia and supported by the Reichstein Foundation and the Electronic Community Networking Association.
================================================================
A WEEK OF GM-FREE ACTION ACROSS AUSTRALIA
Around WORLD FOOD DAY – October 16, 2008
World Food Day is Thursday October 16, a great opportunity to say again that GM crops and foods cannot ‘feed the world’ and would undermine food security for Australia!
The GM-free Australia-wide coalition will promote a week of local activities between October 11&19, during which time you and your community can work with others around Australia to keep our country GM-free.
Please mobilise your constituents to make the week of GM-free action a success everywhere.
Your activities might include:
• petition your council to make your city or shire and its food services GM-free;
• collect signatures at supermarkets or in town squares on petitions for labels on all foods made with GM techniques – vege oils, starches and sugars, and animal products where – meat, milk, eggs, honey – where animals ate GM feed;
• letter writing to local papers, MPs, and state and federal Health Ministers, asking for labelling;
• supermarket information tours (use the True Food Guide to highlight GM & GM-free foods);
• local supermarket managers to feature GM-free, including their home brands;
• make and display GM-free campaign materials in your workplace/home/public places;
• meet your local, state and federal MPs to advocate GM-free;
• create art, music and performance for GM-free;
• show GM-free videos at community forums and debates;
• protest the Roundup herbicide tolerant GM canola growing in NSW and Victoria for the first time that will soon be harvested for seed or hay;
• issue local media releases about GM-free World Food Day in your area;
• other creative, colourful and charismatic happenings that you can imagine.
Together, our coalition can make this week of GM-free activities a winner in the community, in the media, and in policy forums. Make World Food Day an exciting GM-free food and farming event! Keep corporate control off Australian foods and fields!
Please keep us posted on all your preparations so they can be publicised and promoted.
From the Steering Committee Australian GM-free Coalition
Michelle Sheather Greenpeace <michelle.sheather@dialb.greenpeace.org>
Rachel Carey MADGE <rachel@careythomas.com.au>
Scott Kinnear Biological Farmers Aust <scottkinnear@bigpond.com>
Jeremy Tager <jeremytager@gmail.com>
Bob Phelps Gene Ethics <info@geneethics.org>
Tel: 1300 133 868 (local call from any land line)
================================================================
Screening of the “World According to Monsanto”
30th October @ Bar 303
303 High Street, Northcote
The documentary will be shown at 6pm, followed by a public debate on GMO.
Hopefully including Bob Phelps of Genethics, the Darebin councillors, The Greens candidates to the Darebin elections and the rep of Monsanto.
================================================================
Eco Market Update
If you want to challenge the dominance of the BIG supermarkets? Check out the Friends of the Earth Eco Market project.
Eco Market is planned to launch this Spring in Melbourne with approved stallholders selling the majority of the product lines found in a supermarket. The Eco Market won’t be the place you shop before you go to the supermarket for the toilet paper and toothpaste, it will be your one-stop-shop to replace your supermarket trip altogether.
Every product and service on sale at Eco Market will aim to be a ‘best buy’ in terms of environmental, social and ethical outcomes as defined by Friends of the Earth.
Learn more: www.foe.org.au/sustainable-food/activities-and-projects/the-sustainable-supermarket
http://www.foe.org.au/sustainable-food/activities-and-projects/the-sustainable-supermarket/FoE_EcoMarket_brochure.pdf/view
Request to be kept informed: realfood@melbourne.foe.org.au
Doanlaod the audio podcast of the night and hear what you missed, as Cam Walker, Giselle Wilkinson, Founder of Sustainable living Foundation and Dave West, Founder of The Boomerang Alliance give the supermarkets a serve
www.foe.org.au/resources/audio-centre/Eco_market_info_session.mp3
================================================================
================================================================
MELBOURNE SOCIAL FORUM NEWS – September 2008
================================================================
In this issue :
- New MSF Website and Alternatives Blog launched!
- MSF Next meeting
- MSF 2009
- Want an item included in the newsletter?
- News, events and actions
================================================================
New MSF Website and Alternatives Blog
================================================================
We’ve been busy bevering away on a new website which is now live, so drop by www.melbournesocialforum.org and see what’s new!
Announcing the MSF Alternatives Blog
The Alternatives Blog gives you the opportunity to post your visions for a socially just, ecologically sustainable and peaceful world.
Entries might include how you would like to see the world, current social alternatives being developed or active campaigns and projects.
Send your contribution to us at blog[at]melbournesocialforum.org or create an account on the MSF website to post your own entry.
“Another World is Possible”
================================================================
Don’t be shy, drop by our NEXT ORGANISERS MEETING
Everyone is welcome and we’ll have some snacks and great discussions.
================================================================
Date: Thursday September 11th 6.30pm
Venue: ‘The Blue Room’, at the Social Justice Centre, 124 Napier St, Fitzroy, rear of the Fitzroy Uniting Church.
Melways Map Ref: Map 2C Grid ref B-10
Yarra Trams Route 86 To RMIT Bundoora Tram Stop number 14 (on the Corner of Gertrude & Napier St).
Please enter the gate at the front of the Church and follow the pavement on the Northern Side. The ‘Blue Room’ is so marked on a brown door at the back of the building.
Call Chris on 0431464099 if you have any problems.
================================================================
MSF 2009 : 17th – 19th April 2009
================================================================
Yes, you already know we’re planning an event, but what have we actually been doing when 2009 is still so far away?
The organisers have been busy applying for grant funding from several organisations. This meticulous task takes skill, time and foreword planning, which is a challenging ask for our voluntary time. If you know of any sources of funding that you think might assist us in delivering MSF 2009, please drop us a line. Alternatively, if you have some time and grant writing skills, we’d love to hear from you.
info@melbournesocialforum.org
Regarding the wider event conceptual planning stage. We invite you to submit your ideas for themes, activities and outcomes that you would like to see eventuate.
================================================================
Want an item included in the next newsletter?
================================================================
Submit your events and news items to news@melbournesocialforum.org by 21st September to be included in the next newsletter.
================================================================
EngageMedia is Hiring!
EngageMedia is seeking four new people to join our growing organisation. We are an online video, training, networking and software development project focussed on social justice and environmental issues in the Asia-Pacific region. We are currently looking for people to fill the following positions…
Southeast Asia Content and Training Coordinator:
to organise a series of digital video distribution trainings as well as gathering content for the EngageMedia.org site.
http://engagemedia.org/jobs/southeast-asia-content-and-training-coordinator/
Indonesian Network, Partnerships and Research Coordinator:
to build strategic networks and partnerships in Indonesia and Southeast Asia along with establishing a Southeast Asia EngageMedia node.
http://engagemedia.org/jobs/indonesia-partnerships-networks/
Finance and Administration Officer:
to help us ensure the financial and organisational integrity of EngageMedia and it’s associated projects into the long-term.
http://www.engagemedia.org/jobs/finance-admin-officer/
Indonesian Content and Training Coordinator:
to organise a series of digital video distribution trainings, including a medium scale 3 day camp, as well as gathering content for the EngageMedia.org site.
http://engagemedia.org/jobs/indonesia-content-and-training-coordinator/
Deadline for applications is September 8.
Full information at http://engagemedia.org/jobs
================================================================
Australian Government – Dept of Climate Change
**Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme**
Green Paper: making a submission
The Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Green Paper canvasses options and preferred approaches on issues, such as which industry sectors will be covered and how emission caps will be set. It also includes ways to address the impacts on Australian households, emissions-intensive trade-exposed industries and other strongly affected sectors.
Submissions and comments are being sought on the design of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme. Stakeholders are encouraged to engage fully in the consultation process and consider carefully the options canvassed in the Green Paper. The Government invites interested parties to make a written submission.
Submissions are due on or by 10 September 2008.
Guidelines for submissions and further information:
www.climatechange.gov.au/greenpaper/consultation
================================================================
The Garnaut Climate Change Review
The Review is an independent study by Professor Ross Garnaut, which was commissioned by Australia’s Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments. The Review was established on 30 April 2007.
The Review will examine the impacts of climate change on the Australian economy, and recommend medium to long-term policies and policy frameworks to improve the prospects for sustainable prosperity.
Dates for September 2008:
- Release of a Supplementary Draft Report on 5 Sept (at National Press Club Canberra)
- The Final Report is due by 30 Sept
For further information:
www.garnautreview.org.au
================================================================
Rod Quantock presents ‘First man standing’
- Celebrating 40 years of fooling around -
‘First man standing’ is a walk down Memory Tollway (Rod remembers it when it was a lane)
The year was 1968, Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated, Nixon was elected. Saddam Hussein gained power. And, closer to our hearts, Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark was born. Co-incidently 1968 was the year that award-winning Rod Quantock first strolled onto a stage.
Ten years after his stage debut, Rod opened Australia’s first performer-owned and operated theatre restaurant, The Comedy Café & Banana Lounge. Another decade on and Rod was the talk of the Edinburgh Festival and a Perrier Award nominee. In 1998 he took on the Kennett Government and sold out shows around the country.
In between he pioneered Australian stand-up comedy, turned public transport into a venue and, among many other achievements, co-conceived and starred in Australia, ‘You’re standing in it’, ABC-TV’s first Melbourne comedy production and the door-opener for all that followed.
From his first routine in the Melbourne University Architects’ Revue to his musings on contemporary events, Australia’s most seriously funny comedian Rod Quantock will reprieve the things that have made him laugh for the last four decades and set a course for decades to come.
When: Wed to Sat until 6 Sept
Where: Trades Hall, Carlton, Melbourne
Tickets:
Wed & Thurs $30/ $20 conc.
Fri & Sat $35/ $30 conc.
Bookings:
E:comedyattrades.com.au
T: (03) 9659 3569
Or pay at the door
- Rod Quantock: Forty years a fool -
W: www.quantock.com.au
================================================================
GLOBAL WARMING
An economic perspective 12 seminars with Dr Jim Crosthwaite
Tuesdays – September 2 to November 18: 6.30 to 8.30
Trades Hall
MSCP evening series
www.mscp.org.au/es08.html
Global Warming: An Economic Perspective is a course that aims to be accessible to all who accept the proposition that there is no economy without a living environment, but who nonetheless feel disoriented by the welter of political proposals on offer within mainstream and non-mainstream debate. Its aim will be to (a) make students familiar with the economics discussed in major reports on climate change; (b) help students understand the way in which different schools within economics deal with climate change and analyse reports that deal with the economics of climate change and (c) further informed debate about economic aspects of mitigation and adaptation proposals.
================================================================
Indian film festival 2008
A taste of Bollywood & Indian cinema
The 6th Australian Indian Film Festival includes regional and Bollywood films as well as a retrospective of films by Satyajit Ray who was one of the great filmmakers of the 20th century.
For a detailed programme:
www.cinemanova.com.au
When: 3-17 September
Where: Cinema Nova
Melbourne ticketing information:
Cinema Nova, 380 Lygon St, Carlton
T: 9347 5331
================================================================
Wed 3 Sept, 8pm
“CLIMATE CODE RED” – THE CASE FOR A SUSTAINABILITY EMERGENCY
Speaker: David Spratt, Co-author of Climate Code Red. David reveals recent climate data, discusses climate targets and explains the need for emergency action.
There will also be: An update on the progress of the Belgrave/Upwey Solar Neighbourhood and Erik Zimmerman will answer any questions.
Info: pcook@wildcoast.net.au
Organised by the Dandenong Ranges Renewable Energy Association (DRREA)
General Meeting Burrinja Gallery, Glenfern Rd, Upwey
Melw 75 A12
================================================================
Public meeting:
**Your rights at work still need fighting for**
Update on WorkChoices and the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC)
- What is happening with WorkChoices and the ABCC
- How do communities and unions organise to protect and improve working people’ rights and conditions?
Speakers include:
- Cath Bowtell, ACTU
- Bronwyn Halfpenny, Victorian Trades Hall
- Dean Mighell, Electrical Trades Union
- CFMEU Representative
When: Wednesday 3 Sept, 6.00 start
Where: Bluestone Church Hall, 10 Hyde St, Footscray (next to Maribyrnong Town Hall)
Light refreshments.
Jointly organised by the Western Suburbs Community & Unions Coalition & the Victorian Trades Hall
================================================================
The Other Film Festival
New Cinema by, with & about people with a disability
What are you looking at?
When: 3 – 7 September 3008
Where: Melbourne Museum, Nicholson St, Carlton Melways Ref: 2B J10
Further details:
The Other Film Festival swings back into action with a bulging swag of exciting, provocative Australian and international films. This program will be your guide to an incredibly diverse array of cinema committed to exploring the experience of disability.
Presented by:
Arts Access Victoria in Association with Melbourne Museum
================================================================
Public Forum – Climate Change and Water Solutions
With Kenneth Davidson of The Age, Dissent
Compere: Nonie Sharp of Arena publications
at Dante’s, 150 Gertrude Street Fitzroy
On Thursday 4 September 2008
At 7 pm for a 7:30 start
After a decade of drought, Australia faces an unprecedented water crisis. The once mighty Murray-Darling river system stands on the brink. Projected climate change makes the prospect look even drier. The water crisis will have lasting economic, social and political effects on the future of rural Australia, the southern states, and Australia as a whole.
Kenneth Davidson, economist, Age columnist, and co-editor of Dissent magazine, has been a leading commentator on the Australian water crisis. The forum will begin with Kenneth making a presentation on the issue, and the floor will then be opened to general discussion. All are welcome.
Co-sponsored by Arena Journal & Magazine and Dissent magazine
For further information, please call Matthew Sharpe at Arena on 9416 0232 or 5227 2578 or Lesley Vick at Dissent on 9347 7839 or 0406 980 372
Donations appreciated
================================================================
CREATE A SUSTAINABLE GARDEN
Thu 4 Sept, 7.00pm- 9.00pm
Reg and snacks from 6.45pm
See how poultry, fruit trees, growing vegetables, composting, mulching, rainwater tanks, and grey water can all be used to create a fantastic small urban garden. Learn how to compliment your food producing garden with a stunning indigenous garden to create food for both you and local fauna.
sustainablehomes@darebin.vic.gov.au
Ph 8470 8373
www.sustainablehomes.vic.gov.au
City of Whittlesea Council Off, Fountain View Rm, Ferres Boulvd, SOUTH MORANG
(Mel 183 A10)
================================================================
Timor-Leste textiles exhibition forum & market
Exploring meanings, makers & markets of tais – the hand-woven textiles of East Timor
Exhibition launch:
Fri 5 Sept 6.00pm
Forum & market:
Sat 6 Sept 10am to 5pm
Forum entry:
$20/ $12 conc.
Exhibition duration:
Wed 3 to Tues 30 Sept
Where:
At the new St Kilda Town Hall & The Gallery, 99A Carlisle St, St Kilda
(Trams 3, 16, 67 or Train to Balaclava Station)
Events RSVP to:
assist@portphillip.vic.gov.au
or 9209 6777
For more information go to:
www.friendsofsuai.org.au
================================================================
Major Landcare EXPOSITION – Landcare Is For Everyone
Fathers’ Day Sunday September 7
Melbourne
EXPO: 10:30 am to 4:00 pm, Birrarung Marr. Large ‘all-weather’ marquees, so you will be able to talk to exhibitors under cover
BRING: Umbrella, sensible shoes and a picnic lunch and please send this notice on to all your friends
EXPO CONTENT: Come and visit the following exhibitors:
* Talk directly to each other
* Talk directly to farmers
* What you can do to live with Climate Change
* Learn about water conservation and better use
* Peak Oil and what it means to you personally
* How to build and maintain community gardens
* How to measure your personal footprint
* Learn about the role and functions of Landcare
* Learn how to start a suburban Landcare group
* Learn about the importance of organic foods
* Learn about GM foods and who benefits
* Environmental and $$ costs of imported foods
* Role of the Department Of Sustainability
* Role of the Catchment Management Authority
* Role of the Victorian Farmers’ Federation
* Learn about alternate energy options
* Learn about Government plans for water and power
* Learn why buying locally is critical
* Learn where the retail food dollar actually goes
* Talk to ‘carbon neutral’ schools and copy them
* AND MORE…AND MORE…AND MORE
================================================================
Eco Market Public Information Session – A real alternative to the Supermarket.
Wednesday 10th September, 6.30pm
Friends of the Earth, 312 Smith Street Collingwood
In Spring 2008 Friends of the Earth will revolutionise the way we shop with the development of Australia’s first Eco Market, the sustainable market that will sell all the common items found at a supermarket. All products sold at the Eco Market must meet the standards of the Friends of the Earth environmental, ethical and social criteria. The Eco Market will be a ‘one stop’ shopping destination providing a real alternative to the supermarket.
* Do you want to learn more about this exciting new campaign?
* Do you feel politically inspired to be involved in a campaign that challenges the way we consume?
* Maybe you have a sustainable product that you wish to sell at the market?
* Or perhaps you are you interested in donating?
If you answered ‘Yes’, then join Friends of the Earth as we share news and information about the Eco Market campaign.
- Complimentary glass of organic wine on entry
- Delicious finger food provided by the Friends of the Earth Food Co-op
- Entry is free, gold coin donations appreciated.
Speakers include:
- Giselle Wilkinson, founder of the Sustainable Living Foundation
- Cam Walker, Campaign coordinator, Friends of the Earth
- Dave West, founder of Green Capital and the Boomerang Alliance
Join the latest campaign to challenge the supermarket industry and their unsustainable practices.
For more information, visit http://www.foe.org.au/sustainable-food/ or email realfood@melbourne.foe.org.au
================================================================
Gross National Happiness Commission of Bhutan.
Public Lecture by Karma Tshiteem
Friday 12 September at 6pm
Melba Hall, Conservatorium Building University of Melbourne, on Royal Parade
Please contact Amy McKernan on 8344 9101 or by email to mcka@unimelb. edu.au for more information or to register for this event.
The McCaughey Centre would like to invite you to a public lecture to be given by Karma Tshiteem, the Secretary of the Gross National Happiness Commission of Bhutan. This public lecture will provide a unique opportunity to hear about Gross National Happiness and the Bhutanese approach to understanding, measuring and strengthening happiness, prosperity and wellbeing. It is Karma’s only public speaking engagement in Melbourne outside of the conference From Margins to Mainstream: the 5th World Conference on the Promotion of Mental Health and the Prevention of Mental and Behavioural Disorders, organised by VicHealth, at which he is an invited speaker.
Please contact Amy McKernan on 8344 9101 or by email to mcka@unimelb. edu.au for more information or to register for this event.
Bike Fun!!
Fairfield Boathouse to Westerfolds Park
Saturday 14th September
11AM, Fairfield Boathouse. 20km one-way
Option to catch train home from Eltham or ride back along the Main Yarra Trail.
Organisers: Veena and Ross, Morebug.
http://www.morelandbug.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/080619-rides-calendar-2008.pdf
Bike Polo
Sundays 1pm until around 6pm @ the carpark in the Carlton Gardens, west of the
Exhibition Buildings Bring a bike, beverage and yourself. Mallets and ball
provided.
Polo Tournament, early September, lots of fun for participants and spectators.
More information at http://www.urbanbicyclist.org
================================================================
SUSTAINABLE HOUSE DAY
13 and 14 September 2008
Now in its seventh year, the Australian and New Zealand Solar Energy Society will be holding Sustainable House Day across the nation on 13 and 14 September 2008.
Carefully selected homes are open for visitors in major cities and some more distant locations. For a small fee the community can visit these homes, get to meet the owners and find out how they did things, and get some inspiration to build or renovate for their OWN sustainable home.
www.sustainablehouseday.com
================================================================
READER’S FEAST BOOKSTORE invites you to hear Andrew Mawson speak about his career in the social sector in Britain and his inspirational approach to his community in London that has seen enormously positive results in the areas of literacy, business, health, and wealth. Named as one of Britain’s most influential people, this is a wonderful opportunity to meet a remarkable person.
Andrews Mawson
The Social Entrepreneur
Tuesday 16 September
6.15 for 6.30pm
Collins Street Baptist Church, 174 Collins Street, Melbourne
$10 per ticket
$8.00 concession (conditions apply)
Reader’s Feast will donate $5.00 for every sold copy of The Social Entrepreneur to the Collins Street Baptist Church Justice & Outreach Programme
Ticket Sales: call 9662 4699
or
email: events@readersfeast.com.au
With thanks to Penguin Group Australia
Andrew Mawson’s career in the social sector has spanned over 20 years. He developed Bormley-by-Bow Centre in East London and co-founded the Community Action Network in 1998. He was awarded a Life Peerage in 2007. He is currently involved in London’s Water City, a visionary plan to revitalise East London and a vehicle for true Olympic legacy. His book The Social Entrepreneur: Making Communities Work was published by Atlantic earlier this year. Find attached an edited extract from his book.
For more information on Mawson’s work go to http://amawsonpartnerships.com
================================================================
Cinema 1968: the whole world is watching!
Sep 17 – Oct 15 at Melbourne Cinématheque
Forty years on, the tumultuous year of 1968 is still a watershed for 20-century history & a beacon of the possibilities of social, political & cultural change that have largely foundered over subsequent decades. This extended season presents films which reflect a growing anger & concern with the political system, the Vietnam War, the violence of contemporary society, stirrings of democracy & political crackdowns in Eastern Europe, staid cultural institutions & conventional gender roles. Focusing on the United States, Britain & Czechoslovakia, this expansive season profiles films released, made & produced in immediate response to the dynamic events of 1968.
See website for the programme of over a dozen films:
www.melbournecinematheque.org
Venue: ACMI Cinemas, Federation Square, Melbourne
Tickets: 4 consecutive nights only $21/ $16 concession
Presented by the Melbourne Cinematheque & the Australian Centre for the Moving Image.
Curated by the Melbourne Cinematheque. Supported by the Australian Film Commission & Film Victoria.
================================================================
Latin American & Australasia Indigenous Solidarity Gathering 2008
International Indigenous Solidarity Gathering Latin America, Asia & The Pacific
23-26 October – Melbourne Australia
*The Gathering / Encuentro de Pueblos
Protecting our planet, defending our communities!
The Latin American Solidarity Network (LASNET), Friends of the Earth (FOE) in conjunction with other solidarity organisations will be hosting a gathering for Indigenous and non-Indigenous activists who are supporting Indigenous resistances and struggles.
We hope to bring together activists, indigenous leaders and communities from Aotearoa (New Zealand), Great Turtle Island (North America), the Pacific Islands, and our Indigenous brothers and sisters from Latin America, as well as from the Aboriginal nations of Australia.
*Gathering (Encuentro)/Conference Contents:
The Gathering (Encuentro) aims to build bridges of struggle, friendship and collaboration between Indigenous and grassroots organisations throughout Latin America and Australasia.
During the first two days of the Gathering (October 23 and 24) there will be a welcome to country and a public meeting. The second two days (October 25 and 26) will feature plenary sessions, workshops, documentary films, photo exhibitions, stalls and other activities.
Participants from Australia and overseas will explore the questions of WHY and HOW we resist and struggle to protect our planet and defend our communities, and WHAT we propose as Indigenous people and supporters from grassroots and community organisations to achieve social transformation..
*Topics to be discussed include:
Genocide suffered by Aboriginal nations
Autonomous struggles
Ancestral rights to land and culture
Sovereignty and the global order
Sovereignty and neo-liberal policies
Land sovereignty and nation
Aboriginal control of Aboriginal affairs
Human rights/Aboriginal rights
Fighting racism
Peace
Treaty or/and reconciliation, and
Other topics presented by Gathering participants.
Our idea is to be open and inclusive to ideas and discourses supporting Indigenous peoples’ self-determination and grassroots struggles for justice, peace, dignity and democracy from below. We would like to develop the concept of an alliance between Indigenous and non- Indigenous marginalised people as they share similar problems of exclusion, exploitation, racism, repression.
We are inviting individuals and organisations to support this initiative by contributing to our organising fund, and by supporting the Gathering itself when it takes place October 2008. Costs are significant as there are several international airfares to cover, and therefore any contributions would be appreciated.
If your organisation is be able to provide some assistance or is interested to becoming a Gathering supporter or sponsor write to us
PO BOX 813 North Melbourne, VIC. 3051
E: infogathering@latinlasnet.org
*Solidarity Gathering/Encuentro presented by:
Latin American Solidarity Network (LASNET) & Friends of the Earth (FOE) In conjunction with:
Aboriginal organisations from Victoria and other cities, ANTAR, Union Solidarity,
Community Radio 3CR, AISD, MASN, FREE WEST PAPUA, FAIRWEAR CAMPAIGN, Pro-Bolivia Sydney,
Chilean popular and Indigenous Network, Colombia Solidarity Network,
Colombia demand Justice Campaign and Others…
*Contacts and further information:
infogathering@latinlasnet.org
www.latinlasnet.org/gathering/freedom.html
